The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called for respect for the religious freedom of Yoruba monarchs, insisting that kingship is not bound to idol worship or any specific faith. Speaking during a visit to his palace, the monarch argued that traditional rulers, like every other individual, have the constitutional right to practice the religion of their choice without coercion.
Oba Akanbi criticized adherents of the Isese traditional faith for allegedly attempting to impose idol worship on Yoruba kings. He stressed that monarchs should not be compelled to participate in rituals that conflict with their personal beliefs, warning that such pressures undermine both religious liberty and the dignity of the throne.
“The throne is not tied to idols,” the Oluwo declared. “Kingship is a divine institution inspired by God, and rulers should be free to worship Olódùmarè, the Almighty, according to their conviction. Forcing kings to serve idols is against freedom of religion and the purity of the crown.”
He further described kingship as a sacred responsibility that transcends religious traditions, emphasizing that monarchs are meant to serve as moral and spiritual guides for their people. According to him, the essence of Yoruba royalty is leadership rooted in justice, peace, and service to God, not compulsory observance of traditional rites.
The monarch’s statement adds to the growing debate over the role of religion in Yoruba kingship, where centuries-old traditions often intersect with modern faith practices. While some custodians of culture argue that traditional rites are essential to preserving Yoruba heritage, Oba Akanbi insists that the survival and relevance of the institution of monarchy depend on protecting the freedom of each king to serve God as his conscience dictates.
